Is crypto finance regulated in Germany?

When delving into the realm of crypto finance in Germany, one is immediately struck by the mixed picture it presents. On the one hand, Germany seems to be forging ahead with official steps to embrace the crypto industry. For instance, major institutions like Deutsche Bank, Europe's second-largest and Germany's largest bank, have made strides towards offering crypto-related services, having applied for a virtual currency custody license from the country's primary financial watchdog, BaFin. However, the regulatory landscape is not without its challenges. Recent news highlights that even major players like Coinbase, a leading digital asset exchange, have faced scrutiny from BaFin, being ordered to address organizational shortcomings identified during a financial audit. This begs the question: Is crypto finance truly regulated in Germany, or is it a case of a regulatory framework still in its infancy, struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the crypto ecosystem? With a focus on safety, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering measures, it seems Germany is attempting to strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining financial stability. Yet, the question remains: is this balance being achieved, or are there still gaps in the regulatory framework that need to be addressed?